PRUNING FIR-TRF.F.S. \$J 



11. 



Itemarks on Pruning Fir Trees; with an Engraving, to ex- 

 plain the Advantages of the Method recommended*. liy 

 Mr. Robert Salmon, of Woburn, Bedfordshire. 



SIR, 



Jl HAVE the honour of transmitting to you some obser- 

 vations on the management of fir plantations. Having had 

 the care for some time past of such plantations, and knowing 

 how much they are increased in this kingdom, I considered plantations of 

 it as a matter of importance, that a proper mode of manage- Firs nmch m - 

 ment should be generally known, in order to bring timber 

 to the greatest attainable perfection. For this reason I have 

 turned my thoughts to the subject, and am confident that 

 much may be done, as is elsewhere asserted, by good ma- 

 nagement. I have collected several specimens to demon- 

 strate the difference between good and bad management, and 

 have made some observations, which I have not before met 

 with, and may perhaps be useful ; you will have the good- 

 ness, therefore, to present these observations and specimens 

 to the Society of Arts, aiid to believe me, 



Your very humble servant, 

 Woburn, April ^>9, 1805. ROBERT SALMON. 



To Dr. C. Taylor. 



References to Plate VI. showing specimens of English grown 

 Fir Timber, cut out of his Grace the Duke of Bedford's 

 plantation:; at Woburn, pointing out the impropriety of 

 leaving timber to the course of nature, and the loss and N eces <j ty of 

 defects that arise from such mode of management ; also early and cloie 

 illustrating the necessity of some fundamental rule for prun,n 8* 

 managing the same, and the advantage of early and close 

 pruning off superfluous branches, with a general rule for 



* Transactions of the Society of Arts for 1806. 



performing 



